Avani Pemba Beach Hotel & Spa

The resort has a fabulous seafood restaurant with an outdoor dining veranda, and a second more casual restaurant and poolside bar down at the marina. The sociable Niassa Bar harks back to the days of pink gins in colonial East Africa, with vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained-glass, arched windows facing onto the lounge terrace. There is an excellent spa and fitness centre within the grounds, as well as a salt-water infinity pool and sun deck overlooking the Indian Ocean.

The luxurious rooms range in size, with Classic Rooms overlooking the gardens and the Indian Ocean, and Courtyard Rooms along mezzanine walkways opening into the sheltered inner piazza. The two Royal Suites have more space to offer, and the self-catering garden villas provide a nice alternative. All have beautiful, en-suite bathrooms, and share an understated colonial style with touches of exotic Arabian influence, Persian rugs underfoot, and all the modern facilities you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre.

Pemba is the gateway to the Quirimbas Archipelago, a chain of tiny islands in a pristine marine sanctuary, with a staggering choice of watersports available from the hotel. The scuba diving and snorkelling is out of this world, and sunset cruises, kayaking and deep-sea fishing can be arranged from the activity centre. Explore the colourful street markets in Pemba town, or pamper yourself with a spa treatment. Further afield, Niassa National Reserve offers a truly wild game viewing experience.